Good morning, every bunny! I sent Mr. HGL to work as a fashion consultant at Neiman Marcus so he can support both of us, but the store manager isn't very hoppy with him because he keeps pooping all over the floor and his hair is getting stuck to the clothes. Ugh, don't you wish we could send our animals out to work for us? His organic lettuce is pricey and so are his haircuts. He is posing up a storm this week!
So, let's quickly talk about photo and video filters. A few weeks ago, I admitted to a smoother on my face for the up-close photos of the jewelry. The reason I did that in the past is because I have rosacea, sometimes it flares up pretty badly and I have really oily skin. And also, these video calls have messed me up a bit, but I guess I don't have to worry about that now. Anyway, I didn't use the smoother this week so you can see what my skin really looks like, but I am still wearing makeup and I don't plan on removing that!
I haven't been going out much at all to try and save money.
WHAT I’M WEARING THIS WEEK: Le Tote
Welcome back to What I'm Wearing This Week. For the newbies, every Friday on WIWTW I'll recap the clothing rentals I wore for the week. I’ll take you on a trip through my life, where I’m going, what’s missing in my closet, my current obsessions, what I’m excited to try, and maybe even buy. We’ll explore designers and trends, and a variety of styles and brands. And each week I’ll fill you in on why I chose each item, the total value of the rental compared to the retail price (as of today I've rented $2,759 worth of clothing on Le Tote), and more. For sizing reference, I am 5'11" with a 33" inseam and I weigh 140 pounds.
Le Tote is a fashion subscription service that lets you try a new set of on-trend separates, dresses, jewelry, and more on a monthly basis. You can keep the pieces as long as you’d like or return them to receive a new set of items, depending on your membership. There are membership plans that include one tote per month to unlimited totes per month. Le Tote features brands you know and love like Tahari, French Connection, Rebecca Minkoff, and Rachel Roy, and there's also a maternity option. You can rent up to 10 clothing items and 5 accessories per month and the sizing options range from XS to XXL, or 0 to 16, but currently, there's no tall, petite, or plus-sized option.
Just like other fashion subscriptions, when I signed up, I went through an extensive style quiz to gather information about my preferences and complete my style profile. You'll add information like your measurements, current sizing in different types of clothing, looks you love, and more.
Le Tote offers free shipping both ways. Items you order will be sent using 2–3-day priority shipping, and ground shipping is included when returning items to the warehouse. Le Tote ships to valid residences, hotels, P.O. Boxes, and commercial establishments in the contiguous 48 States in the USA; however, they do not ship to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, APO/FPO, or Alaska.
This is a review of the Unlimited Plan with 5 clothing items and 3 accessories for $79/month.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
WHAT I RECEIVED
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This time my Le Tote products arrived neatly arranged in a plastic garment bag. All of the items by Adyson Parker, Summer & Sage, Alexia Admor, New York & Co., Anne Klein, Karl Lagerfeld, and QUIZ arrived in a timely manner and in great condition.
THE GOODS
Adyson Parker Tiered Ruffled Eyelet Dress, Retail Value $120, Le Tote $90, Summer & Sage Beaded Tassel Earrings, Retail Value $28, Le Tote $22
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How I styled it: This dress is perfect for vacation, like when you crawl off the beach, shower, and realize you're now sunburned and need to cover up a little bit. I paired it with Ulla Johnson's Strappy Sandals, a Balenciaga Graffiti Bag, and matching tassel earrings from Le Tote.
Size and fit: This small cotton dress is designed for someone who's shorter and tinier than me. The waist is too high, the bodice is lopsided and the elasticized sleeves are too short. It features side slit pockets, a ruffle-trimmed neckline with tie, puff sleeves and it's fully lined. I ordered the tassel earrings because they matched the dress and they're fun.
Mr. HGL says: While it's cute in a boho manner, the design does absolutely nothing for your body shape. Baby doll dresses are better for someone shorter who has a chest. The empire waist cuts off too high.
Condition: Great.
Honest review: I have worn this around my apartment quite a bit and downstairs to the pool, but I have to agree with Mr. HGL that the design is not quite right for a giant who's shaped like a ruler. As for the earrings? They're cheap and feel like they'll fall apart any minute.
Alexia Admor Draped One-Shoulder Dress, Retail Value $100, Le Tote $75, Summer & Sage Ruched Shoulder Bag, Retail Value $48, Le Tote $24
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How I styled it: I wore the Alexia Admor dress with the Ulla Johnson Sandals, gold-tone hoop earrings, a chain-link necklace and vintage studded leather belt from Etsy, the Hermes Clic-Clac bracelet and the Summer & Sage Ruched Shoulder Bag from Le Tote.
Size and fit: I got the small and it was a bit snug. I kept trying to shift the dress on the shoulders to get it to fit better, but it didn't want to move very much. This is a slim-fitting crepe sheath dress with an elasticized neckline, side zip closure, back vent, and it's fully lined with a fabric that really sucks you in!
Mr. HGL says: I think your shoulders are too broad for this dress.
Condition: Great.
Honest review: Everyone needs an LBD in their closet. This little black dress is a timeless wardrobe staple that takes you from day to night and can easily be dressed up, accessorized, and layered to create your perfect look. I already have many LBDs so this is one of the last things I need in my closet, but you should consider it instead! The handbag was inspired by Bottega Veneta's Pouch, but it's made of plastic and features a gathered shoulder strap and magnetic snap closure. The material on both items felt cheap though.
New York & Co. Asymmetrical Drape-Front Shorts, Retail Value $59, Le Tote $38
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How I styled it: I forced myself to try on a pair of shorts and I wasn't disappointed! I love cobalt blue and I really liked the draped fabric on the front. I wore this with Salvatore Ferragamo Wedges, the Clic-Clac, a Splendid by Ella Moss off-the-shoulder top, and my Etsy jewelry.
Size and fit: I ordered the 6 and it's a tad big in the waist. These high-waisted statement shorts feature a wide waistband, folded hem, exposed back zipper, and an asymmetrical draped detail on the front.
Mr. HGL says: You do realize when you sit down, you're supposed to pet me, right? I see hands and they've not touching meeeeeeeeeeee.
Condition: Great.
Honest review: I had not worn shorts in public in probably 12 years. Weird? Yes, it is. I suffered from body dysmorphic when I was younger and was obsessed with exercise. I used to get up at 4:30am in NYC to hit the gym and on the rare occasion I slept through or skipped it, I'd punish myself and refuse to go anywhere after work. It wasn't until I tore my Lisfranc ligament in 2017 that I finally chilled out a bit with the exercise addiction and made peace with my body. Nowadays, when I ramp up on the sprints and lifting, something else tears or cracks, or I end up with tendonitis. Getting old is no fun! Anyway, I really like these shorts and was happy to discover that when you sit down, you can move the piece of fabric over your legs to cover up.
Karl Lagerfeld Profile Tee, Retail Value $40, Le Tote $30
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How I styled it: I've got this deconstructed Current Elliott denim skirt that I love, but it's huge! I guess I should get it taken in. I also paired it with Cole Haan leather slides.
Size and fit: Le Tote suggested I get the medium and it's a perfect fit. This super soft, stretchy, and fitted crewneck tee is crafted in plush cotton and features a profile print of the man, the myth, the legend... Mr. Karl Lagerfeld!
Mr. HGL says: My profile pic should be featured on that tee.
Condition: Like new condition.
Honest review: One thing I don't need right now is another tee.
QUIZ Bardot Cropped Midi Dress, Retail Value $69, Le Tote Price $40, Anne Klein Stone Link Earrings, Retail Value, $20, Le Tote Price $10
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How I styled it: Geez, not sure how I feel about this cutout trend. So, I initially added the studded leather belt, but it didn't work very well so I took it off, threw on the Ferragamo wedges and Le Tote's pair of Anne Klein Stone Link Clip-On Earrings.
Size and fit: Le Tote suggested an 8 and it's even tight. I don't know what's going on up top, but it is not working on me at all.
Mr. HGL says: Please do yourself a huge favor and buy a better bra. Ill-fitting garments can absolutely ruin a look.
Condition: Great condition.
Honest review: I was baffled by the fit of this dress and then discovered it's a UK brand so now it makes sense! Normally in UK sizing, I am a US 8, UK 12 so now I understand why they suggested the 8. Anyway, I don't love this dress at all, and the cutout top makes it difficult to wear. I sent it back.
DID THEY DELIVER?
- What items were most helpful and versatile to own this week to ensure I got the most out of my rental and completed the look I craved? Surprise, surprise! I got the most wear out of the shorts.
- Did they meet or exceed expectations? I've noticed they're adding more items, so that's good news, but I'd still like to see even more options.
- What’s the return process like? While they ship it in a branded Le Tote box or bag, they include a return bag that's pre-labeled so all you need to do is put your items in the bag, seal it up, send it out, and recycle the box. Easy!
FINAL THOUGHTS
Let's talk about something totally different. The news of Khloe's surrogacy with Tristan Thompson makes me think about The Kardashians as a whole and how they've all completely distorted their faces and bodies and created a new definition of beauty that's mostly unrealistic and expensive. All of the Ks have morphed into sexy kartoons in a sense, and the general public has willingly hopped on that bandwagon. I know women who've started filling up their lips and faces, wear huge fake lashes all the time (even to the gym), have gotten butt implants, and wear skin-tight clothing everywhere. Some say this is feminism, but what if some of these tweaks are designed for men?
I've been told by many men that I should get breast implants and I've shot back and said, "why, so I can distort my body to please a man?" If plastic surgery and fillers make someone feel better about themselves, that's all fine and good (do whatever makes you happy), but if it's for men, does that contradict feminism? And what are we teaching little girls who live on social media and swear by filters? They need to change what they look like to be accepted by society?
Maybe I'm just old and now sound like my parents, but I don't get it. Thoughts? Feelings? Especially if you have daughters, what do you think?
CAN YOU STILL GET THIS BOX IF YOU SIGN UP TODAY? Yes, all these items are still available to rent.
VALUE BREAKDOWN: The 5 clothing and 3 jewelry items plan costs $79/month and so far, I've received styles with a retail value of $2,759!
What are your thoughts about Le Tote and rentals in general? Let me know what you think about this week's looks!
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